The umbilical hernias which persist despite faithful and persistent strapping with adhesive tape during the first year of life usually require surgical correction. Troublesome umbilical hernias and those in patients who cannot be treated by adhesive strapping, either because their skin will not tolerate it or because their parents fail to cooperate, may require correction before reaching the age of one year.

The simplified technique illustrated here is entirely adequate. It has been amply tested over the past 10 years, and there have been no significant complications. No hernias have recurred in private patients. In service patients complete follow-up has not been possible, but as yet there are no known recurrences.

Most defects in umbilical hernias are either round or oval, with the longer dimension transverse. Extensive dissection to permit separate closure of peritoneum and hernial sac is unnecessary. The two layers can be used as one to close the